Supporting patients with body dissatisfaction: A survey of the experiences and training needs of european multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals

Williamson, Heidi; Antonelli, Paolo; Bringsen, Asa; Davies, Gareth; Detorre, Davide; Harcourt, Diana; Hedin, Gita; Jurgutis, Arnoldas; Tural, Umit; Ayse, Yalcin; Persson, Martin

Abstract

© 2018 The Authors Appearance-related concerns resulting from disfigurement or pressure to conform to beauty ideals, indiscriminately affect patients’ mental and physical health. Healthcare professionals face the challenge of addressing patients’ support needs. Therefore a European University Consortium developed a course to address learning needs. Prior to its design, a study with multi-disciplinary European healthcare professionals was conducted to maximize its relevance and acceptability. Healthcare professionals (n = 718; 48% nurses, 30% doctors, 22% allied health professionals) were surveyed regarding the nature and impact of patients’ appearance concerns, confidence in key areas associated with detecting/addressing concerns, and training/educational needs. Participants reported that this subject is highly relevant and 70% described the psychosocial impact of appearance concerns across the lifespan resulting from disfiguring conditions, disability, neurological disease, ageing and weight/shape dissatisfaction. Participants, irrespective of their experience, self-reported inadequate knowledge regarding appearance-specific care, 87% requested further information and 70% wanted access to an accredited course; barriers deterring participation in training were identified. Healthcare professionals across multiple specialties are caring for patients with a wide-range of appearance concerns that impact on physical and mental health and want to increase their appearance-specific knowledge and expertise. Results have informed training/courses which have the potential to improve patient care and ameliorate health-related outcomes.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 23, 2018
• Online Publication Date: May 24, 2018
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2018
• Deposit Date: May 25, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: May 25, 2018
• Journal: NursingPlus Open
• Print ISSN: 2352-9008
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 4
• Pages: 8-13
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.npls.2018.05.001
• Keywords: body image dissatisfaction, health professional, training, body image, visible difference
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/863952
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.npls.2018.05.001
• Contract Date: May 25, 2018